HEALTH COACHING

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

FIVE FAVORITES

I saw this Crystal Cream advertised on Daily Om and the words "Vibrational Therapy" got me. They blend actual tiny crystals with minerals, essential oils, flower essences, herbs and liquid crystal amplifying formula. Wow. I use this in the mornings and evenings for my face (alternating with organic argan oil), but you may also apply to specific area that could use some vibrational TLC such as a sore throat, knee, stiff shoulders etc. It is suppose to work miracles so let's see after few weeks.

Oh cup o' Joe. You got me hooked. I usually drink coffee only those days when I work at the hotel (3-4 times a week), but sometimes I like to make healthier version of soy mocha at home. I've used either Trader Joe's Mocha Mix or Starbucks' Peppermint Mocha Mix that I add to a hot, organic almond milk. I also mix in two teaspoons of raw cacao powder, cinnamon and sometimes little bit of turmeric (for a health kick). I know these mocha mixtures from Starbucks and Trader Joe's don't have all so great ingredients in them, so I am looking for healthier alternatives. Any ideas?

Dark chocolate is here to stay. Eating a small, 1.6-ounce bar of dark chocolate every day is good for you since they contain high amounts of antioxidants and flavonoids. Flavonoids are also known to be found in fruits, vegetables and certain drinks such as tea. In fact, dark chocolate contained four times as much catechin, a type of flavonoid, as tea. Flavonoids keep cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels, reduce the risk of blood clots, and slow down the immune responses that lead to clogged arteries. And it makes you happy! :)

Fresh herbs go bad so quickly, but I found an easy way to store them for prolonged times by freezing them in ice cube molds. I mostly buy cilantro and parsley and freeze them in water to use later in my smoothies. You can also freeze them in oil and use for cooking.

Fall veggies. I am a huge fan of brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, turnips and beets. Roast them in the oven with some oil, salt and garlic and eat like that or make them into a pureed soup.